Courts / Mayo / Report

Murder accused began using drugs at 10, trial hears

Date
2014-01-31

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Castlebar

County
Mayo

Summary

The Central Criminal Court trial of Celyn Eadon, accused of murdering his mother Noreen Kelly in Castlebar, has heard evidence regarding the deceased's injuries and the accused's mental state. Ms Kelly, 46, died of multiple stab wounds on March 9, 2011. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that he found 19 stab wounds, slash wounds, and bruises on the body, with injuries penetrating the brain, severing a jugular vein, and damaging the heart and liver. He attributed death to catastrophic haemorrhaging. Mr Eadon, 22, has pleaded not guilty to her murder at the address, while admitting to manslaughter. The prosecution closed its case, and the defence called two medical witnesses. Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist Dr Paul O'Connell stated that Mr Eadon began using drugs at age 10 and was likely experiencing substance-induced psychosis at the time of the killing, which could affect his capacity to form specific intent. Senior Clinical Psychologist Dr Ken O'Reilly concluded that the accused suffered from organic brain impairment secondary to polysubstance misuse. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Carney and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder accused began using drugs at 10, trial hears. Charges or matters: her murder; her murder at that address. Procedural stage: trial

When:

March 9, 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
2014-01-31 Publication

Why: The pathologist explained that one wound had tracked through her left lung, while another had wounded the pericardial sac around the heart and reached the liver. CNI source report